#icebucketchallenge

[verityetchelsea]

Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn 😝#verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge

Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn 😝#verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge published first on https://www.youtube.com/@VERITYandCHELSEA/

[salmontunafish]

it feels so freeing yet depressing that i cant do the icebucketchallenge/uscspeakyourmindchallenge because i dont know enough people that people would nominate me 😭 being in a small circle is peace and war sometimes but hey im fine

[propertyofkylar]

#icebucketchallenge

[dailyskz]

180608 realstraykids:

안녕하세요 스트레이 키즈 방찬입니다. 에이스 김병관 선배님과 박지민 선배님의 지목으로 2018년 아이스 버킷챌린지에 참여하게되어 영광입니다. 저의 영상을 통해 많은 분들이 병원 설립에 함께 참여해주시길 바라는 마음을 담았습니다. 저와 함께 뜻깊은 참여를 해주실 세분은 낙준 선배님, 데이식스 영케이 선배님, 워너원 이대휘 선배님입니다. 많은 참여 부탁드립니다! #승일희망재단 #아이스버킷챌린지 #StrayKids

Hello, It's Stray Kids' Bang Chan. I am honored to be chosen by ACE's Byeongkwan and Park Jimin to participate in the 2018 Ice Bucket Challenge. Through this video, I hope to show many people about the hospital establishment and participate together. The three people that will participate in this meaningful challenge with me are Nakjoon, Day6's Young K, and Wanna One's Lee Daehwi. Please participate a lot! #ALS #IceBucketChallenge #StrayKids

trans: Stray Kids Cloud 9

[daily-twice-content]

JY_PIECE:

공승연 배우의 지목을 받아 <2023 아이스버킷챌린지> 에 참여하게 되었습니다.

대한민국 최초의 루게릭 요양병원 건립을 위해 많은 응원 부탁드립니다. 좋은 마음으로 제 이름과 원스의 이름으로 기부 챌린지도 동참하겠습니다.

#승일희망재단#루게릭요양센터#icebucketchallenge#2023아이스버킷챌린지#희망의끈을이어갑니다

[hassan-dakhlallah]

Viral Giving: How Social Media Transforms Modern Philanthropy

Philanthropy has entered a new era, fueled by the power of social media platforms. The rise of social media philanthropy has reshaped how causes gain attention, how people donate, and how communities rally around urgent needs. From viral fundraising campaigns to hashtag movements, social networks amplify voices and spread awareness faster than ever before. This dynamic shift has made digital giving accessible, immediate, and highly interactive, changing how generosity impacts society.

The Rise of Social Media Philanthropy

The surge of social media philanthropy has been remarkable in recent years. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok offer tools that let users share stories, launch fundraisers, and mobilize support in real time. These platforms break down traditional barriers by allowing anyone to become a fundraiser or advocate for a cause. People can reach thousands or millions of others with just a few clicks.

This accessibility has created viral giving campaigns, where stories spread rapidly and encourage widespread participation. Social media’s interactive nature lets supporters share updates, celebrate milestones, and inspire others to contribute. As a result, causes gain momentum quickly, sometimes surpassing expectations for fundraising and impact.

Amplifying Awareness Through Storytelling

At the heart of viral philanthropy lies powerful storytelling. Social media thrives on narratives that connect emotionally and visually with audiences. Videos, images, and personal testimonies make abstract issues relatable and urgent. Users are motivated to engage, share, and donate when a story resonates.

The instant feedback and sharing capabilities allow stories to evolve organically. Fundraisers can publicly post progress updates, thank donors, and highlight real-world effects. This transparency builds trust and encourages continuous support. This way, social media raises funds and creates a community invested in the cause’s success.

The Impact of Hashtag Movements

Hashtag campaigns have become a defining feature of social media philanthropy. They provide simple, memorable ways to unite people around causes and spark viral trends. Hashtags like #IceBucketChallenge, #GivingTuesday, and #BlackLivesMatter demonstrate how social media can mobilize millions for awareness and action.

These movements encourage participation beyond donations. They often involve challenges, user-generated content, and collective actions that boost visibility. Hashtags help causes cut through the noise, making it easier for people to find, join, and amplify essential issues. Their viral nature also attracts media attention, further expanding outreach.

Democratizing Fundraising and Engagement

One key benefit of digital giving is its democratizing effect on philanthropy. Social media removes gatekeepers, enabling anyone with internet access to start fundraising or support causes they care about. This opens opportunities for grassroots initiatives and smaller nonprofits that may lack traditional marketing resources.

This democratization also shifts power to individual voices and micro-influencers who can champion causes within their networks. People increasingly expect transparency and authenticity, which social media facilitates by allowing direct communication between fundraisers and donors. This closer connection enhances engagement and builds stronger relationships around philanthropy.

Challenges of Viral Giving Campaigns

Despite its advantages, viral philanthropy faces challenges. The fast pace of social media can sometimes lead to shallow engagement or donor fatigue. When causes compete for attention, campaigns may quickly fade after initial spikes, limiting sustained impact. Furthermore, misinformation or fraud can spread rapidly, undermining trust in digital giving.

To overcome these issues, fundraisers must focus on clear communication, authenticity, and ongoing engagement. They need to balance the excitement of viral moments with longer-term strategies for donor retention and impact reporting. Social media platforms are also improving tools to verify campaigns and protect users, contributing to a safer giving environment.

Leveraging Influencers and Celebrities

Influencers and celebrities play a pivotal role in driving social media philanthropy. Their large followings and credibility help causes reach broader and more diverse audiences. When public figures endorse campaigns or participate in challenges, they generate buzz and increase donations.

This influence extends beyond one-time promotions. Many celebrities use their platforms to raise awareness continuously and support causes that align with their values. Influencer partnerships often bring professionalism and resources that enhance campaign effectiveness. Their involvement legitimizes philanthropy on social media and encourages fans to act.

The Future of Digital Giving and Philanthropy

The impact of digital giving will likely grow as technology advances. Emerging tools like live streaming, virtual reality, and blockchain create new opportunities for transparency, engagement, and immersive storytelling. Social media platforms continue to innovate with features designed to simplify donations and promote philanthropy.

Moreover, younger generations of digital natives increasingly expect brands and causes to embrace social media for social good. This trend will push organizations to deepen their digital presence and create authentic online communities. As viral philanthropy evolves, it will become an even more vital part of how society supports change.

Building Lasting Connections Through Social Media

Beyond the initial excitement of viral campaigns, social media enables lasting connections between donors and causes. Platforms facilitate ongoing communication, feedback, and involvement. Donors can see the real-world outcomes of their contributions and stay engaged over time.

This relationship-building fosters trust and encourages repeat giving. Social media’s interactive nature transforms philanthropy from a one-way transaction into a shared journey. The growing integration of social media philanthropy into fundraising strategies reflects its power to connect hearts and minds for sustained impact.

Social media has revolutionized philanthropy by making it more immediate, interactive, and inclusive. The rise of viral giving campaigns demonstrates how digital platforms amplify generosity and awareness like never before. By harnessing storytelling, hashtags, influencer support, and democratized fundraising, social networks are reshaping how people engage with causes. As technology and user behaviors evolve, social media philanthropy will continue to change the game for good, driving meaningful social change in the years ahead.

[afiqakmar]

Week 6: What Is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement And Activism

Digital citizenship is the ability to interact with digital surroundings effectively, responsibly, and morally is known as digital citizenship. It encompasses all of the ways people engage, communicate, and contribute to online communities and society at large through technology. Digital citizenship includes critical thinking, ethical behavior, digital literacy, and civic engagement through digital channels (Mossberger, Tolbert, & McNeal, 2008).

On social media, hashtag publics are short-lived, networked groups centered around the common usage of a hashtag (Bruns & Burgess 2015). These publics are created through online debate, which is frequently focused on movements, identities, events, or causes. They are algorithmically visible, participative, and frequently international, which sets them apart from traditional publics. Hashtag publics are dynamic online communities rather than static groups. Susers may not be personally acquainted, but by sharing, posting, or interacting with a shared hashtag, they join a collective.

An example was back in 2014 call #IceBucketChallenge. The viral challenge, which went viral on the internet in 2014, is making a comeback. To raise money and awareness for charity, the challenge involves dousing yourself in freezing water and recording the action. This time, the objective is to inspire people to talk about mental health and to increase awareness of it (BBC 2025).

References

Bruns, A., & Burgess, J. (2015). Twitter hashtags from ad hoc to calculated publics. In N. Rambukkana (Ed.), Hashtag Publics: The Power and Politics of Discursive Networks (pp. 13–28). Peter Lang.

The Ice Bucket Challenge is back, here’s what you need to know. (2025, April 28). BBC Newsround. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/ckge4xmjpejo#:~:text=Back%20in%202014%20the%20viral,people%20to%20talk%20about%20it.

[carolyncarillo]

Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn #verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge

Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn 😝#verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge published first on https://www.youtube.com/@VERITYandCHELSEA/ View On WordPress Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn 😝#verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge published first on https://verityetchelsea.tumblr.com/

[jacksonrobart]

Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn #verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge

Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn #verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge published first on https://www.youtube.com/@VERITYandCHELSEA/ Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn 😝#verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge published first on https://veritychelsea.wordpress.com/

[verityetchelsea]

Je nomine @Kim Kardashian @Elena et Kyliannnnn 😝#verity #verityandchelsea #prt #icebucketchallenge published first on https://www.youtube.com/@VERITYandCHELSEA/

[charlieaugust]

Week 6: What is Digital Citizenship? Hashtag Publics, Political Engagement and Activism

With the rapid creation of technology from smart hand-held devices to the digital world, it allows users to engage, discuss, and participate together, not to mention turning them into a digital citizen. Digital citizenship is defined as the public being able to participate in society online or use the internet regularly and effectively too (Mossberger et al., 2008). With digital citizen comes the platforms, where users go to engage their time with others online, or the rise of platformisation.

Platformisation is defined as the process by which more parts of economy, society and the web infrastructure are being penetrated to be designed well with digital platforms and how third parties are preparing their data to be easily used on these platforms (Poell et al., 2019). With one example of platformisation being app stores, where it is a centralised, software marketplace for downloading applications, instead of downloading applications from the official company websites (Poell et al., 2019). Another example can be seen with how newspapers were used by many last time, however, today newspaper and news in general has been increasingly turned into platform complementors, where users can access content through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (Poell et al., 2019). With such platforms allowing users to socialise ties back to them being digital citizens online, and with that come connectivity between users when using said platforms.

An example of connectivity through platforms are hashtags, in which can bring about sharing experiences and allowing for socializing with one another like the #icebucketchallenge or to express attitudes like opinions and emotions with others (Laucuka, 2018). Hashtags can also bring about initiating movements that can inspire others, such as hashtags on #metoo, in which it helps to bring awareness of the issues of sexual harassment and to carry out repercussion with the Me-Too Bill (Laucuka, 2018). In all, digital citizens regularly use platforms that has been improved, allowing users a place to then socialise together online.

Laucuka, A. (2018). Communicative Functions of Hashtags. Economics and Culture, 15(1), 56–62. https://doi.org/10.2478/jec-2018-0006

Mossberger, K., Tolbert, C. J., & McNeal, R. S. (2008). Excerpts from Digital Citizenship: The Internet, Society, and Participation (Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2007). First Monday. https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v13i2.2131

Poell, T., Nieborg, D., & van Dijck, J. (2019). Platformisation. Internet Policy Review, 8(4), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.14763/2019.4.1425

[typischcalvin]

Das Ende 😂🥶 #comedy #icebucketchallenge #icebucket #funny via TypischCalvin https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpSG7HttyQQ-9yEelvTIASg May 04, 2025 at 05:15PM

[michael-writer]

The Ice Bucket Challenge is making a splash again—this time for mental health awareness! 🧊🧠 What started in 2014 for ALS is now fueling support for mental health causes. Ready to get soaked for a good cause? 💙 #IceBucketChallenge #MentalHealthMatters #ALS #ViralForGood

[hisevenblog]

A Lookback on ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

There was much ado about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on social media in 2014. It didn’t come quite immediately as an initial simple way of spreading awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)-also known popularly as Lou Gehrig’s Disease-but turned into an international campaign that raised funds in millions and sparked vital discussions about ALS conditions. It’s amazing this campaign became a touchstone symbolizing thrilling potential about social media, community involvement, and viral marketing.

How the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Began

The Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS goes back to Pete Frates, a former college baseball player who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. He wanted to make as many people aware of the progressive disorder that gradually weakens muscles and eventually paralyzes them. The challenge was pretty straightforward: participants pour a bucket of ice water over their heads, record the act, and post it on social media. Then, they challenge those friends and family members to either partake or donate to the ALS Association.

This took place after Pete Frates and his family and friends campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness about ALS, but the drama of seeing the challenge has kept the real million-dollar moments happening. What began as a very small, locally constrained effort turned into a worldwide phenomenon, all thanks to the simplicity and share-ability of the idea.

How It Went Viral

The Ice Bucket Challenge’s success was fueled by the power of social media. It spread quickly across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, with millions of people whether both celebrities and everyday individuals, all joining in. Rules was simple and engaging, making it easy for anyone to participate. The simplicity of this making challenging friends to take part, creating a sense of peer pressure.

With hashtag #IceBucketChallenge, creating a viral loop of challenges. With big names like Bill Gates, John Cena, Taylor Swift and more participated, causing the trend to explode with popularity. Bring extra boost of the already popular trend

Raising Funds and Awareness for ALS

But, more importantly, it has done a lot for ALS research even during such short time as eight weeks. In fact, from the very first week, counts exceeded $115 million in donations for the ALS Association, a figure grossly beyond any initial estimates for this fundraising endeavor. The donations were directed towards several Very Important Purposes such as critical research programs, patient care, and educational activities directed at raising awareness about ALS.

Within this context, it also became very important in funding research on the genetic and molecular basis of ALS. One of the most remarkable achievements was the finding of the NEK1 gene, which was shown to be involved in the disease ALS. This was made possible with the Ice Bucket Challenge funding that will likely propel such discovery into innovative methods for treating and caring for patients affected by this disease.

Scientific Breakthroughs: A Lasting Impact

The harnessed funds from the Ice Bucket Challenge created a ripple effect in the future of ALS research. Besides finding the NEK1 gene, it funded the acceleration of clinical trials and new treatment development while increasing the research scope regarding the disease. Before the Ice Bucket Challenge, ALS research had barely been funded, and the victory of the campaign had achieved resources that were long overdue within the field.

This tide also allowed ALS researchers to better collaborate with each other and focus on previously neglected areas. Thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge, those with ALS now have such realistic hope, and the scientific community is already miles down the road toward the cure.

The Legacy of the Ice Bucket Challenge

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a great case study in how to harness the power of viral marketing. A simple idea, with the right combination of humor, celebrity involvement, and social media engagement, can lead to a huge result. All this makes for an excellent reminder that viral campaigns do not only restrict themselves to the digital arena but spill over into the real world as well.

The campaign has also inspired other viral movements and demonstrated the enormous potential that digital platforms offer in mobilizing people for a cause. Leaving the funds and the scientific discoveries aside, the Ice Bucket Challenge has another interesting legacy: it will talk about what can be done with social media for social good.

The Power of Collective Action

It is one of the very successful viral campaign ever because it raised not only funds but awareness as well. This really showed how people can come together, even through fun or serious intentions, and make a difference. From this moment on, Pete Frates’ vision for educating the public about ALS turned into a world movement whereby anyone and everyone came together and contributed not only critical funding for research but real money toward real solutions in the ALS arena.

The Ice Bucket Challenge was more than a trend; it was a demonstration of the power of collective action and an example of how social media can convert a simple idea into a globally successful force for good.

[johndeersblogs]

How Viral Marketing Works for Social Media Product Promotion

The Role of Viral Marketing in Digital Growth

Social media has transformed how businesses promote their products, making it possible to reach millions of people within hours. Viral marketing leverages this power by creating content that spreads rapidly across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

However, achieving viral success isn’t just about chance, it’s about crafting engaging stories, encouraging user participation, and using smart marketing tactics to boost visibility. In this guide, we’ll explore how brands create viral campaigns to drive social media engagement and product awareness.

Strategies for Making a Product Go Viral

Viral marketing strategy works best when brands understand their audience and create content that resonates with them. Here are the key approaches to driving social media success:

🔹 Create High-Impact, Shareable Content

People naturally share content that sparks emotions, whether it’s humor, excitement, or inspiration.

Short-form videos (like Instagram Reels and TikToks) capture attention quickly.

Engaging captions, popular hashtags, and relatable storytelling enhance reach and interaction.

🔹 Get Influencer Collaborations

Teaming up with influencers helps brands connect with highly engaged audiences.

Micro-influencers (10K-100K followers) often generate more authentic interactions than mainstream celebrities.

Reviews, behind-the-scenes content, and casual product mentions feel more genuine than traditional ads.

🔹 Encourage Audience-Generated Content

Global brands like Apple and Starbucks build credibility by featuring customer-created content.

Contests, challenges, and giveaways inspire users to promote brands organically.

Showcasing audience contributions on official platforms fosters community trust.

🔹 For Example: A great example of viral success is the #IceBucketChallenge, a social-driven campaign that spread worldwide due to its interactive, meaningful, and entertaining format.

Social Media Marketing Blueprint for Viral Success

A structured approach helps maximize the chances of content going viral. Below is a step-by-step strategy to enhance brand visibility on social platforms:

Step 1: Set a Specific Objective

🔹 Define whether you want to increase brand awareness, boost engagement, or drive sales. 🔹 Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) like video views, social shares, and audience interactions.

Step 2: Research Your Audience

🔹 Understand demographics, interests, and online behaviors.

🔹 Use analytical tools to track consumer preferences and adjust your approach accordingly.

Step 3: Select the Best Social Platforms

🔹 TikTok & Instagram — Ideal for quick, visually compelling videos.

🔹 LinkedIn — Perfect for business-related content and professional networking.

🔹 Facebook & Twitter — Useful for engaging in discussions and reaching broader audiences.

Step 4: Develop Content That Spreads

🔹 Use storytelling techniques to create emotional or humorous content. 🔹 Keep posts concise, visually appealing, and highly shareable.

Step 5: Invest in Paid Promotions & Influencers

🔹 Use social media ads to expand content reach. 🔹 Work with influencers to add authenticity and credibility.

Step 6: Monitor Performance & Adjust Strategy

🔹 Leverage tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Insights to track engagement.

🔹 Optimize future campaigns based on audience response and conversion rates.

🔹 For Example: Nike’s “You Can’t Stop Us” campaign demonstrated the power of emotional storytelling, generating millions of interactions and shares globally.

The Evolution of Viral Marketing on Social Platforms

Viral marketing continues to evolve, with brands adapting to new trends to stay relevant. Here are some of the latest strategies:

🔹 Jumping on Social Trends

Brands like Netflix and Wendy’s thrive by tapping into trending memes and online discussions to stay visible.

🔹 Dominating with Short-Form Video Content

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels drive the most engagement, making fast-paced video storytelling essential for marketing success.

🔹 AI & Personalized Recommendations

Artificial intelligence now helps businesses create tailored content and target the right audiences more effectively.

Why Work with a Social Media Marketing Specialist?

A skilled social media marketing consultant can help brands maximize their reach by:

✔ Analyzing audience behavior and market trends.

✔ Creating content that attracts high engagement.

✔ Optimizing paid ads for better visibility and conversions.

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Viral Campaigns

Even the best marketing strategies can fail if brands make critical errors. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

❌ Not Understanding the Audience

Brands that chase viral trends without considering their target audience risk missing the mark.

Content should be relevant to potential customers, not just created for visibility.

❌ Overly Promotional Content

Content that feels like an advertisement gets ignored.

Focus on storytelling, engagement, and value rather than just promoting products.

❌ Ignoring Community Engagement

Viral content isn’t just about high view counts, it’s about conversations and relationships.

Responding to comments, answering questions, and encouraging discussions are crucial for brand credibility.

🔹For Example: Pepsi faced backlash for a tone-deaf ad featuring Kendall Jenner, proving that viral marketing can backfire if it lacks cultural awareness.

The Future of Viral Marketing in the Digital World

Social media is always changing, and businesses need to keep up with the latest trends. Here’s what to expect in the future:

🔥 AI-Powered Content Creation

AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva’s AI features help businesses create engaging content faster.

Predictive analytics assist in identifying potential viral trends before they peak.

🔥 Short-Form Videos Continue to Lead

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominate online engagement.

Brands must prioritize visually compelling, easily digestible video content.

🔥 Interactive & Immersive Experiences

Augmented Reality (AR) filters, live polls, and 360° videos offer new ways to connect with audiences.

Interactive content boosts engagement far more than static posts.

🔹 For Example: IKEA’s AR tool lets customers visualize products in their homes before purchase, increasing both engagement and sales.

Winning with Viral Marketing on Social Media

Viral marketing isn’t just about gaining views, it’s about building a lasting brand connection. By avoiding common mistakes, keeping up with trends, and working with social media marketing malta experts professionals, businesses can create high-engagement campaigns that leave a strong impact.

🚀 Final Thought: Success in social media marketing requires creativity, consistency, and adaptability. Brands that experiment, track results, and stay authentic will have the best chance of making a lasting impact in the fast-changing digital world.

[sshirotalk]

Week 5: Gamified Citizenship – How Social Media Turns Political Engagement into a Digital Game

🎮 1. When Politics Becomes a Digital Game

In the digital age, citizenship is no longer just about voting or joining traditional political organizations—it has expanded to include online activism, viral hashtags, and digital protest content.

But here’s the catch: political engagement is being “gamified” through social media platforms.

📌 Research Question: How do social media platforms and gamification mechanics transform digital political behavior?

⏩ Key Theories:

Gamification Theory (Deterding et al., 2011)

Platformisation & Algorithmic Governance (Van Dijck et al., 2018)

Hashtag Publics & Digital Citizenship (Choi & Cristol, 2021; Bruns & Burgess, 2011)

Clicktivism & Slacktivism (Morozov, 2011; Vromen, 2017)

💡 Main Argument:

Social media platforms gamify political participation by rewarding engagement through likes, shares, badges, and streaks.

Platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook turn political movements into challenges and interactive games.

This has both positive and negative effects on digital citizenship.

🤖 2. Gamification of Politics: From Serious to Playful

Gamification Theory (Deterding et al., 2011) describes how game-like elements are applied to non-game contexts to motivate participation.

So what happens when gamification meets digital politics?

(a) Reward Systems & Digital Citizenship

Social platforms introduce incentives to encourage users to engage in activism:

🔥 Hashtag Streaks – Posting daily with the same hashtag to maintain a “streak” (e.g., #FreeBritney, #MeToo). 🏆 Badges & Achievements – Facebook used to award Top Fan badges to those who engaged the most in political discussions. 📈 Leaderboards & Trending Visibility – Viral political tweets get algorithmic boosts, making them visible to more users.

📌 Gamification of Digital Citizenship Model (Illustrating how platforms use gamification to shape political behavior.)

⏩ Supporting Research:

Choi & Cristol (2021) argue that digital citizens are motivated by social and personal incentives in hashtag campaigns.

Vromen (2017) found that younger generations engage less in traditional politics but are highly active in digital activism through hashtag publics.

(b) Hashtag Publics: When Politics Becomes a Trend

Bruns & Burgess (2011) describe “hashtag publics” as temporary digital communities that form around specific political moments.

But social media algorithms have gamified these movements by turning them into viral challenges:

🎥 #IceBucketChallenge (2014) → #TrashTag (2019) → #BlackoutTuesday (2020) 🏁 #ElectionChallenge on TikTok, where users film themselves voting to farm likes and views.

⏩ Supporting Research:

Van Dijck et al. (2018) argue that platforms like TikTok and Twitter use algorithmic governance to actively shape political trends.

Bruns & Burgess (2011) initially described hashtags as organic, but today they are algorithmically curated, turning politics into a crowdsourced game.

📌 Visual: "Hashtag Publics as Gamified Political Tools" (Diagram showing how hashtags become interactive challenges.)

🎭 3. Clicktivism vs. Real Activism: Is Politics Becoming a Meaningless Game?

🚨 The Problem with Gamified Citizenship:

Evgeny Morozov (2011) criticized Clicktivism and Slacktivism—when people engage in politics just by liking, sharing, or posting without real-world impact.

📌 Two Major Issues:

1️⃣ Politics Becomes Superficial

#BlackoutTuesday faced backlash because people posted black squares without taking real action for Black Lives Matter.

2️⃣ Platforms Commercialize Activism

Facebook was accused of promoting paid political campaigns by boosting certain trends, turning citizens into "players" in a corporate political game.

⏩ Supporting Research:

McCosker (2016): Platforms don’t just provide spaces for activism—they control and monetize it.

Theocharis et al. (2023): Many users believe their digital activism has major impact, when in reality, it often doesn’t lead to tangible change.

📌 Visual: "Clicktivism vs. Real Activism" (Diagram contrasting digital engagement with real-world activism.)

🔮 4. Conclusion: Gamified Citizenship – A Tool or a Trap?

✨ Key Takeaways: ✔️ Gamification makes political engagement more appealing to younger generations. ✔️ Social media algorithms prioritize viral challenges over serious debate. ✔️ Gamification can increase participation but also risks turning activism into empty gestures.

💡 The Future of Gamified Citizenship:

Will politics become even more of a game on social media?

Can gamification be used without trivializing activism?

Are we real digital citizens or just players in an algorithmic political system?

📌 What do you think? Is gamification good or bad for activism? Let’s discuss! 💬👇

🔗 References

Choi, M., & Cristol, D. (2021). Digital citizenship with intersectionality lens: Towards participatory democracy driven digital citizenship education. Theory into Practice, 60(4), 361–370. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2021.1987094

Deterding, S., Dixon, D., Khaled, R., & Nacke, L. (2011). From game design elements to gamefulness: defining “gamification.” Proceedings of the 15th International Academic MindTrek Conference, 9–15. https://doi.org/10.1145/2181037.2181040

Bruns, A., & Burgess, J. (2011). Hashtag Publics: The Power and Politics of Discursive Networks. ProtoView, 2(42).

Morozov, E. (2011). The Net Delusion: The Dark Side of Internet Freedom. PublicAffairs.

McCosker, A., Vivienne, S., & Johns, A. (2016). Negotiating Digital Citizenship: Control, Contest and Culture. Rowman & Littlefield.

Theocharis, Y., Boulianne, S., Koc-Michalska, K., & Bimber, B. (2023). Platform affordances and political participation: How social media reshape political engagement. West European Politics, 46(4), 788–811. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2022.2087410

Van Dijck, J., Poell, T., & De Waal, M. (2018). The Platform Society: Public Values in a Connective World. Oxford University Press.